For a simple, fast, and delicious pizza night, try this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza recipe.
Crusty French bread is topped with a blend of barbecue sauces, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, red onion, and plenty of mozzarella, then baked until the cheese is gooey and golden. It finishes with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness.
Why You’ll Love This French Bread Pizza
- Quick and easy — from start to finish this takes about 30 minutes, including cooking the chicken.
- Customizable — slice the loaf in half and flavor each side differently. Great for families and picky eaters.
- No dough fuss — no rising or rolling required; perfect for weeknights.
- Serve as dinner or appetizer — keep whole for a dinner with salad or slice into smaller pieces for a party appetizer.
- Cost-effective — simple pantry staples make this a budget-friendly option compared to ordering takeout.
Key Ingredients
French bread (or an Italian loaf) — use a fresh, soft loaf with a crisp crust.
Protein — chicken tenders and bacon are used here; boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs also work.
Seasonings — a simple BBQ rub of brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne adds great flavor.
Sauces — your favorite bottled barbecue sauce and an Alabama white barbecue sauce for a tangy contrast.
Mozzarella — shredded or fresh mozzarella both melt beautifully.
Produce — thinly sliced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Below is a clear, step-by-step overview followed by the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. This method is an easy hack for turning a loaf of bread into a satisfying, pizza-like meal.
- Season the chicken with BBQ rub and cook in a skillet until it reaches 165°F. While the chicken cooks, season the bacon and bake until crisp.
- Slice the bread lengthwise and remove some of the interior crumb to make room for toppings and cheese.
- Spread barbecue sauce inside the bread, add two-thirds of the cheese, then layer the diced chicken, bacon bits, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle Alabama white sauce and more regular barbecue sauce over the toppings, then finish with the remaining cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with chopped cilantro, slice, and serve.
Recipe Overview
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza (CPK Inspired)
Crusty French bread topped with sauce, cheese, chicken, bacon, and red onion, baked until melty and finished with fresh cilantro. An easy, family-friendly twist on pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (breast or thighs work too)
- 5 strips bacon
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- 1/2 cup Alabama white barbecue sauce (store-bought or use recipe in notes)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- BBQ rub (store-bought or see notes for homemade rub)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Season the chicken on both sides with BBQ rub. Cook in a skillet over medium heat about 3 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest, then dice.
- Sprinkle the bacon with a bit of BBQ rub and bake on a sheet pan until crisp, about 12–15 minutes. Chop into bits.
- Slice the bread lengthwise and hollow out some of the center crumb to make space for toppings.
- Spread a generous layer of regular barbecue sauce inside the bread, reserving some for drizzling.
- Sprinkle 2/3 of the shredded mozzarella into the bread cavity, then add the diced chicken, bacon bits, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle Alabama white sauce and a little extra barbecue sauce over the toppings. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, slice, and serve. Serve with extra Alabama white sauce or ranch if desired.
Notes
In a small bowl whisk together:
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (start with 1 tbsp, add more to taste)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp hot sauce (such as Louisiana-style)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade BBQ Rub
Mix together:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne (optional, reduce for less heat)
Tools I Recommend
A few simple tools that make preparation easier:
- Ultra-sharp serrated knife for slicing the bread cleanly
- Rotary or box grater for shredding cheese
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet for cooking the chicken
- Sauce bottles or squeeze bottles for drizzling sauces neatly
Extra Tips
- For even cooking, cut chicken pieces to similar sizes so they finish at the same time.
- If you prefer crispier bread, place the assembled loaf under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Change up the toppings: swap the chicken for pulled pork, add pineapple for sweetness, or use pepperoni for a classic twist.
Did you try this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza? Leave a comment with any questions or feedback. If you remake this recipe at home, share a photo to show how it turned out.
